Influence of trans-ferulic acid on the quality of ram semen upon cold preservation.

Background: Due to lower antioxidant capacity and higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, ram spermatozoa are very susceptible during cooling process.
Objectives: The objective was to examine the effect of the trans-ferulic acid (t-FA) on the ram semen during liquid preservation.
Methods: Semen samples were collected from the Qezel rams, pooled, and extended with the Tris-based diluent. Pooled samples enriched with different amounts of the t-FA (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 mM) and preserved at 4°C for 72 h. Spermatozoa's kinematics, membrane functionality, and viability were assessed by CASA system, hypoosmotic swelling test, and eosin-nigrosin staining, respectively. Moreover, biochemical parameters were measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h.
Results: Results showed that 5 and 10 mM t-FA improved forward progressive motility (FPM) and curvilinear velocity compared to the other groups at 72 h (p < 0.05). Samples treated with 25 mM t-FA showed the lowest total motility, FPM, and viability at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage (p < 0.05). Higher total antioxidant activity levels were observed in the 10 mM t-FA-treated group compared to the negative control at 72 h (p < 0.05). Treatment with 25 mM t-FA increased malondialdehyde amounts and decreased superoxide dismutase activity compared to other groups at the final time assessment (p < 0.05). Nitrate-nitrite and lipid hydroperoxides values were not affected by treatment.
Conclusions: The current study indicates the positive and negative influences of different concentrations of t-FA on the ram semen upon cold storage.
(© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)